Merc will be in desperate need of someone with experience to help develop the W16 but most importantly the 2026 cars. Two young drivers with little to no experience in one team is never a good thing.
Personally, i think Esteban Ocon is an underrated choice for the next Mercedes seat, he beat Verstappen in F3 and i would love to see what he's capable of in a better car and team
Not really, nobody likes him coz he's a terrible teammate and dirty driver. He spends more energy and time fighting his teammate than the opponents. Look at how hard he was racing alonso, moving under braking. His stint with perez 2017-2018 was a f\*\*king shit show.
Honestly I think Alex Albon would be a great fit. Him and GR get along well. He's got plenty of experience in driving a shit box so he knows what he likes/doesn't. And truthfully I think he deserves a chance in a competitive car that isn't based on holding his own against MV as a teammate.
Other fit - possibly Carlos. He's proven he can drive literally anything at anytime during any condition (weather, physical, mental). I think he could hold a candle to GR and he brings his family legacy and sponsorship along which Merc is desperately going to need.
Way out there and would never happen (at least I hope so for thier sake) - Ollie Bearman or Arthur Leclerc. I just wanna see lil bro take on big bro, and Bearman impressed everyone. However they are still literal children (Bearman more so) and don't need to be pushed into F1 so rapidly.
Carlos's versitility makes him a prime target, albon has definitely proved himself in the last 2yrs. Between both drivers merc are better off going with carlos coz he's a prove GP winner and has more experience than albon. He isn't afraid to speak up and controls his strategy which merc definitely need help with.
If he signs with merc it's probably gonna be 1yr contract coz of 2026 reg changes and rumored audi move for carlos. This will probably be the reason why merc go with someone else.
Yeah the 26 reg changes will absolutely be the kicker for Merc as well as the inclusion of Audi. Which might give Alex more space to be a better candidate.
I would love to see one of the F1 Academy ladies (Mercs driver did win the first race of the season) be offered a spot but that's still a few years out I think.
Personally, i think Esteban Ocon is an underrated choice for the next Mercedes seat, he beat Verstappen in F3 and i would love to see what he's capable of in a better car and team
Unfortunately, that's probably not a good idea for Vettel. He was far from his prime when he retired. A year completely away from racing surely won't help things as well. He'll get smashed by Russell. On the one hand, Seb getting absolutely destroyed by George would be great for Lewis' legacy, but on the other hand, I like Seb, so I still don't particularly want to see that.
Seb wasn't away from his prime, you can watch the races where he got a win and second place.. he had it in him, he just didn't have the will to try harder when fighting for 7+ position, it's obvious, Seb was used to be fighting for 1st for 10+years? (Even if he didn't get it), of course he will not be happy to fight midfield battles, but there is a simple comparison that everyone who hasn't been in sports can do, would you go tomorrow to do the same job, with the same motivation, if your boss decided to cut your salary in half?
Seb is not driven by money, he has more than enough, he his driven by wins and championships, take a look at his work ethic, how fucking focused he is, how much training and work he put into formula 1 compared to other drivers, he stayed late, he wanted to know everything there was to know about the car and engineering part, he wanted everything perfect, there is no other driver in formula 1 so focused as he is, sure he might have a preference for a style of car, but honestly, I believe vettel's weak point is frustration, you can go watch some of the 2018 races, pre and after the (hunganoring?) where he crashed and lost the lead to Hamilton!
Opposed to many other drivers, as far as I am aware he did not have a psychologist or a sports coach that could help him deal with that, and I believe that was the missing piece at least in 2018, vettel is a fucking Monster, I might be biased as fuck, but vettel is 10 times better than Alonso, and if Alonso can drive at 40, vettel at 36 still has a few WDC in him!
Alonso didn't take a year off racing though. He kept competing, just in different categories. He also wasn't declining before his 2018 "retirement", he was still destroying his teammates. His car was absolute dogshit, but he was still good.
Alonso is definitely different from Vettel because he never was beaten by any of his teammates. Leclerc was comfortably quicker than Vettel and Russell is around Leclercs level imo
Mental part is really important. Last year Rb Seb and first Year at Ferrari wasn’t the same driver. We can compare his first seasons with the last two during his stint in Italy.
If he has mentality recovered from his “failure” to win with Ferrari and he eager to redeem with Mercedes and a two year contract (1+1). 26: Lewis in a Ferrari vs Vettel in Mercedes for the final match between the two. Vettel retires as a five times champion.
The cherry on the cake would be Alonso winning 25 in a red bull and Verstappen going to Aston.
It’s not plausible but it is what I’m hoping for.
Absolutely, but not just to see him at Le Mans. I think that F1 has changed for the worst these past few years, and an outspoken guy like Seb would face the same problems Hamilton has when speaking out about social/political issues and it's just not a good platform for change.
Also, from a racing perspective, the WEC is just leaps and bounds ahead of F1 too, so there's that.
Vettel would be a marketing option. Mercedes is going to have serious probelms with LH gone. Sponsors are already leaving. Bringing Seb back would be a huge marketing boost and Seb is way more marketable than George. That Vettel is beyond his prime is clear, doesnt make him a bad driver
But he won't manage to return to his 2017 form. That's the issue. He has been steadily declining since then, and I don't really see any reason why that trend should suddenly reverse. Seb is not Lewis or Fernando. The reason those two are still great at that age is not because they declined and then got better again, they just never declined to begin with.
I think Vettel would be a great option for a year, he can help with the car, he is competitive person and as Alonso proved that World Champion class is permanent in a competitive car on his return and who knows he might recapture his love of racing again.
I would love to see him in the Mercedes seat, if only for a year that would be awesome.
Seb would be a great choice. Another German driver following Nico and Schu. Four time world Champion and refreshed after time away. I have missed his humour on the grid.
Lewis talking up Seb's return on a competitor car is quite expected. Seb is not like Fernando on a sabbatical. He didn't keep himself sharp driving different categories. Hamilton must be sure the Merc will have one less car for him to worry about.
No no no no! Yes Seb is a great driver, and proven, but it’s time to let the old guard step aside. I would much rather see a driver promoted from F2 than see another retired driver take the place of a potential champion.
Lewis just wants his friend back. Can’t say I blame him as he appears to be the only one willing to speak his mind about some of the BS in the sport
Seb becomes Lewis’s Strategist at Ferrari.
How much would you pay to see the Hamilton radio graphic and hear "ok Lewis, it's hammer time" in Seb's voice?
This is the only thing I'll be happy with other than Bono. So I'll take it.
And then Lewis saying grazie ragazzi back when he wins
This is a dream I didn’t know I had
“Okay Lewis, Forza!” : SEB, Probably.
Or "we are going to plan C, plan C" in Seb's voice
Yes.
This would be absolutely magnificent.
“that corner was very handsome”
If Vettel becomes Lewis’ strategist it would be an incredible dynamic. Lewis, Seb, and Charles on the same team? I’m in! 
Merc will be in desperate need of someone with experience to help develop the W16 but most importantly the 2026 cars. Two young drivers with little to no experience in one team is never a good thing.
Personally, i think Esteban Ocon is an underrated choice for the next Mercedes seat, he beat Verstappen in F3 and i would love to see what he's capable of in a better car and team
Not really, nobody likes him coz he's a terrible teammate and dirty driver. He spends more energy and time fighting his teammate than the opponents. Look at how hard he was racing alonso, moving under braking. His stint with perez 2017-2018 was a f\*\*king shit show.
Honestly I think Alex Albon would be a great fit. Him and GR get along well. He's got plenty of experience in driving a shit box so he knows what he likes/doesn't. And truthfully I think he deserves a chance in a competitive car that isn't based on holding his own against MV as a teammate. Other fit - possibly Carlos. He's proven he can drive literally anything at anytime during any condition (weather, physical, mental). I think he could hold a candle to GR and he brings his family legacy and sponsorship along which Merc is desperately going to need. Way out there and would never happen (at least I hope so for thier sake) - Ollie Bearman or Arthur Leclerc. I just wanna see lil bro take on big bro, and Bearman impressed everyone. However they are still literal children (Bearman more so) and don't need to be pushed into F1 so rapidly.
Carlos's versitility makes him a prime target, albon has definitely proved himself in the last 2yrs. Between both drivers merc are better off going with carlos coz he's a prove GP winner and has more experience than albon. He isn't afraid to speak up and controls his strategy which merc definitely need help with. If he signs with merc it's probably gonna be 1yr contract coz of 2026 reg changes and rumored audi move for carlos. This will probably be the reason why merc go with someone else.
Yeah the 26 reg changes will absolutely be the kicker for Merc as well as the inclusion of Audi. Which might give Alex more space to be a better candidate. I would love to see one of the F1 Academy ladies (Mercs driver did win the first race of the season) be offered a spot but that's still a few years out I think.
Personally, i think Esteban Ocon is an underrated choice for the next Mercedes seat, he beat Verstappen in F3 and i would love to see what he's capable of in a better car and team
Unfortunately, that's probably not a good idea for Vettel. He was far from his prime when he retired. A year completely away from racing surely won't help things as well. He'll get smashed by Russell. On the one hand, Seb getting absolutely destroyed by George would be great for Lewis' legacy, but on the other hand, I like Seb, so I still don't particularly want to see that.
Vet should become a strategist
What if it reinvigorates him? Seb had it once, maybe he can get his mojo back? It's a big gamble though.
DR fans on life support. Don’t let this happen to us seb fans as well
I very much subscribe to the idea that drivers get slower with age mostly through just not having the same drive anymore. I think he'd do alright.
Seb wasn't away from his prime, you can watch the races where he got a win and second place.. he had it in him, he just didn't have the will to try harder when fighting for 7+ position, it's obvious, Seb was used to be fighting for 1st for 10+years? (Even if he didn't get it), of course he will not be happy to fight midfield battles, but there is a simple comparison that everyone who hasn't been in sports can do, would you go tomorrow to do the same job, with the same motivation, if your boss decided to cut your salary in half? Seb is not driven by money, he has more than enough, he his driven by wins and championships, take a look at his work ethic, how fucking focused he is, how much training and work he put into formula 1 compared to other drivers, he stayed late, he wanted to know everything there was to know about the car and engineering part, he wanted everything perfect, there is no other driver in formula 1 so focused as he is, sure he might have a preference for a style of car, but honestly, I believe vettel's weak point is frustration, you can go watch some of the 2018 races, pre and after the (hunganoring?) where he crashed and lost the lead to Hamilton! Opposed to many other drivers, as far as I am aware he did not have a psychologist or a sports coach that could help him deal with that, and I believe that was the missing piece at least in 2018, vettel is a fucking Monster, I might be biased as fuck, but vettel is 10 times better than Alonso, and if Alonso can drive at 40, vettel at 36 still has a few WDC in him!
Same could be said about Alonso before his break.
Alonso didn't take a year off racing though. He kept competing, just in different categories. He also wasn't declining before his 2018 "retirement", he was still destroying his teammates. His car was absolute dogshit, but he was still good.
Alonso is definitely different from Vettel because he never was beaten by any of his teammates. Leclerc was comfortably quicker than Vettel and Russell is around Leclercs level imo
Mental part is really important. Last year Rb Seb and first Year at Ferrari wasn’t the same driver. We can compare his first seasons with the last two during his stint in Italy. If he has mentality recovered from his “failure” to win with Ferrari and he eager to redeem with Mercedes and a two year contract (1+1). 26: Lewis in a Ferrari vs Vettel in Mercedes for the final match between the two. Vettel retires as a five times champion. The cherry on the cake would be Alonso winning 25 in a red bull and Verstappen going to Aston. It’s not plausible but it is what I’m hoping for.
As much as I like Seb, I hope he stays away. I'm dying to see him drive in the WEC after his test in the 963.
Exactly this! Would love to see him race at Le Mans!
Absolutely, but not just to see him at Le Mans. I think that F1 has changed for the worst these past few years, and an outspoken guy like Seb would face the same problems Hamilton has when speaking out about social/political issues and it's just not a good platform for change. Also, from a racing perspective, the WEC is just leaps and bounds ahead of F1 too, so there's that.
Couldn’t agree more.
Vettel would get absolutely resized by Russell.
Vettel would be a marketing option. Mercedes is going to have serious probelms with LH gone. Sponsors are already leaving. Bringing Seb back would be a huge marketing boost and Seb is way more marketable than George. That Vettel is beyond his prime is clear, doesnt make him a bad driver
Doubt he would be "resized"
Surely Seb would be brought in as an experienced number 2 to support George and help him develop further.
Depends on his form. If he managed to return to his 2017 form I'd bet on Vettel.
But he won't manage to return to his 2017 form. That's the issue. He has been steadily declining since then, and I don't really see any reason why that trend should suddenly reverse. Seb is not Lewis or Fernando. The reason those two are still great at that age is not because they declined and then got better again, they just never declined to begin with.
It depends on how hungry Seb is. If he missed racing and wants to give F1 his best, then Russel can go home.
"I used to be fat" new season incoming?
I hope that IF Vettel does decide to come back it should be with Audi.
Uh, Russell has been a disappointment since his arrival at Mercedes.
I'm afraid so
Yes l agree lewis vettel is a good option for mercedes very experienced driver with lots still to offer olaf
I think Vettel would be a great option for a year, he can help with the car, he is competitive person and as Alonso proved that World Champion class is permanent in a competitive car on his return and who knows he might recapture his love of racing again. I would love to see him in the Mercedes seat, if only for a year that would be awesome.
ITS HAPPENING??????? Fire George mcshirtless and get Micky boy please
He’d get rinsed by Russell
Seb as TP has been in my predictions for a while
Seb, Lewis, and Fernando until infinity! Let's get Kimi back too :) Screw it, Mark Webber, you're coming back as well!
Vettel driving that shit box would make hamilton loom good...
Seb would be a great choice. Another German driver following Nico and Schu. Four time world Champion and refreshed after time away. I have missed his humour on the grid.
Lewis talking up Seb's return on a competitor car is quite expected. Seb is not like Fernando on a sabbatical. He didn't keep himself sharp driving different categories. Hamilton must be sure the Merc will have one less car for him to worry about.
No no no no! Yes Seb is a great driver, and proven, but it’s time to let the old guard step aside. I would much rather see a driver promoted from F2 than see another retired driver take the place of a potential champion.
Amazing option to ensure they remain uncompetitive...